St John’s Renfield Church Playgroup Race Equality

Policy Statement: St John’s Renfield Church Playgroup seeks to provide and maintain racial equality for all children and parents and carers within the group and should reflect the needs of members and future members of the group and the wider community. Admission to the Playgroup – The Playgroup is open to every family in the community. A child in their pre-school year will obtain a place as soon as one is available – a child who has moved into the area and is already three years old will obtain a place if one is available. A child would not be refused a place on racial grounds. Children in the Playgroup – All children will be respected and their individuality and potential recognised, valued and nurtured. Activities and the use of play equipment will offer children opportunities to develop in an environment free from racial prejudice and discrimination. Opportunities will be given to the children to explore, acknowledge and value similarities and differences between themselves and others . Resources – The playgroup children will be given the opportunity to develop racial awareness by using books with different culture/colour/countries highlighted – the acknowledgement of different festivals throughout the year – the introduction of different foods from a variety of countries. All resources will be regularly checked to reflect the multi-racial society in which we live. Discriminatory behaviour or remarks - These are totally unacceptable in the playgroup. The response will aim to be sensitive and supportive to the feelings of the victim and to help those responsible to understand and overcome their prejudices. The playgroup will challenge any statements made by anyone in the group which are of a racial nature – quickly and quietly stopping the name calling or any other anti feeling by encouraging positive playing together – by encouraging sharing of materials – by the use of puppets to illustrate negative and positive behaviours – by the use of role play – by posters. Employment of Playgroup Leaders – The playgroup will appoint the best person for the job of playgroup leader. No person will be rejected on the grounds of colour or race. Commitment to the playgroup’s Race Equality Policy will form part of the job description for all workers.

Parents Role in the Playgroup – The parents and the carers in the playgroup will be encouraged to become involved – respecting the differences in families, their language and culture and by encouraging them to contribute in whatever way they can. Staff Role In the Playgroup – The staff in the playgroup is responsible for promoting and ensuring racial equality in the establishment. They will promote racial equality throughout the delivery of Curriculum Framework and in all aspects of the playgroup including work with parents and carers. The staff will keep up to date with current regulations on Race Equality by attending training courses on the subject. They will also monitor and deal appropriately with any incidents of racial discrimination within the playgroup.

This policy was adopted at a meeting of St John’s Renfield Playgroup

Committee held on _________________. Nominated committee member ________________________________.

Nominated Play leader _______________________________________.